- Current Graduate Program: M.A. in Counseling
- Concentration/Area of Emphasis: Addictions/Mental Health
- Program Schedule: Full-Time
- Delivery Method: In-Person
- Current Employer: UNC Charlotte
- Position: Graduate Assistant
- Anticipated Graduation: May 2025
- Undergraduate Institution: Mountain State University
- Undergraduate Degree: B.A. in Computer Science
- Favorite Place in Charlotte: Optimist Hall
- Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
- Dream Job: Student Perpetually!
What has been your driving force for enrolling in your degree program?
My degree program is helping me see healthcare from an evidence-informed perspective; this will allow me to serve people in a holistic mental healthcare framework that I am developing.
Why did you choose UNC Charlotte over other universities?
I got into a few schools such as UCF/MTSU but the diversity of the faculty and the beautiful campus made me choose UNC Charlotte.
What lessons have you learned in your courses that you could apply on the job?
I am interning at a substance use site, and the ethical boundaries in counseling that I have learned from UNC Charlotte have been invaluable.
What has been the best part of your academic experience so far?
Learning from diverse faculty that go above and beyond to help us grow.
Are you involved in any student organizations or clubs?
I was involved with the Birding Club for a little bit and the Toastmasters Club.
How would you describe UNC Charlotte to someone considering a graduate program?
You get what you put into it, it is not always easy to find resources but if you look long enough you will find them!
What are some of your favorite activities or places to visit in Charlotte?
UREC has been my everyday go-to. It's a game-changer.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying to your program?
Go outside your comfort zone, EARLY, to find people you can call friends. Not everyone will understand or appreciate what you bring; know your worth, and keep moving. Try to find a network outside of your program.
Is there anything else you would like to share that may help readers learn about UNC Charlotte graduate programs?
I found my graduate program a goldmine waiting to be explored. What I have learned is that, as grad students, most of us strive for perfection, which means, sometimes, we may embody more knowledge or a completely different perspective than what is being taught in class, and that is ok. We should not be hesitant to own what we know and it is important not to second guess ourselves, all the while remaining open to the grad school experience to mold our thinking and push us outside of our comfort zone. Our personality and who we are may rub some people the wrong way and may bring others closer to us, and that is life, what is essential is that we continue to be the light we seek to see in others so we can illuminate our world and the world of those that we encounter and be equally open to receiving the light that others bring as a gift to us. This is a great place to experiment, learn, and grow. My program is very tolerant of perspectives outside of the box, and I am thankful to be here.